Support the fight against diabetes

SPRINGFIELD Diabetes robbed James Walter Clark Jr. of his life. He never made it to his 23rd wedding anniversary. He never saw his only daughter's 16th birthday. He never met his additional four grandchildren. It even stole his 50th birthday from him a year before it would arrive.
Our father, a veteran of the Vietnam War serving under the United States Air Force, had numerous years to live. Unfortunately, diabetes took him from his roles as father, husband, brother, son and friend in 1996. It would be easy to say that no one understands how we feel, but the reality is thousands are left robbed from this illness just as we were.
This year is the very first time our family has decided to put our loss to good use. Though we have lost the amazing head of our family, we want to work together to keep the same from happening to another. On Sept. 28, "Team Walt" will put our feet to the street in hopes of stomping toward a cure at the Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes. The annual walk will take place in Forest Park.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), "nearly 21 million Americans are living with diabetes, and that number includes the 6.3 million who don't even know that they have it. Even more frightening is the fact that if current trends don't change, one in three Americans will develop diabetes in their lifetime. "
The American Diabetes Association Research Program supports basic and clinical diabetes research aimed at preventing, treating and curing diabetes. We want to put our energy, commitment and resources where they count: toward research and medical institutions dedicated to finding a cure and manageable means of coping with this devastating illness. Won't you help us? If everyone gave just a little, it would help a lot.
Donation dollars also help ADA continue to champion the rights of people with diabetes. Just last month, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of the ADA Amendments Act to help protect persons with diabetes from discrimination in the workplace.
With your pledge dollars, we will help the ADA get funding to where it's needed. We know there are countless illnesses that need your attention and we believe they are all in need funding. That is why our team has set a small, attainable goal of $1,500. We are extremely grateful for any donation you are willing to make.
You can make your donation online at main.diabetes.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=5293&px=4124885 or by sending a check made payable to the American Diabetes Association with TEAM WALT written on the memo line, to Team Walt Team Captain Natasha Clark, 396 Canon Circle, Springfield, MA 01118.